Hey basketball fans! Get ready for an exciting matchup as the Old Dominion women’s basketball team gears up to host Christopher Newport University for an exhibition game this Friday night. The game will be held at Chartway Arena at 6:30 p.m. Although it won’t be televised, you can still keep up with the live stats.
These two teams last faced off on November 1, 2021, in an exhibition game that ended with a victory for the Monarchs. ODU dominated the court, with four players scoring in double figures. Amari Young led the way with 11 points and four steals, while Brianna Jackson, Kaye Clark, and Kaylen Nelson each contributed 10 points. The Monarchs showcased their skills, shooting 50 percent from the field and outscoring the Captains in the paint. They also capitalized on 31 turnovers by CNU, turning them into 41 points.
The Monarchs are coming off a successful 2022-23 season, reaching the conference tournament semifinals. Picked to finish fourth in the Sun Belt’s Preseason Coaches’ Poll, they have high hopes for the upcoming season. The team returns five letterwinners, including Joy Campbell, Jordan McLaughlin, Kaye Clark, Mikayla Brown, and Brenda Fontana.
Kaye Clark and Jordan McLaughlin are the two returning starters for the Monarchs. Clark, a graduate student from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had an impressive performance last season, starting all 34 games and leading the Sun Belt in steals. McLaughlin, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, showcased her skills as well, ranking seventh in the conference in assist-to-turnover ratio.
This year’s Monarchs team is filled with new talent, as they have 10 newcomers joining the squad. These players come from both the JUCO level and other NCAA Division I programs, bringing a fresh energy to the team. Keep an eye out for La’Dajah Huguley, Halima Salat, Mimi McCollister, En’Dya Buford, Simone Cunningham, Ivi Nikolova, De’Shawnti Thomas, Nnenna Orji, Lanetta Williams, and Jenny Nkem Womsi.
On the other side, Christopher Newport University is coming off a historic season, reaching the NCAA Division III National Championship final for the first time in program history. Although they fell short in the final, the Captains finished with an impressive 31-1 overall record. They have some key returners, including Gabbi San Diego, Camille Malagar, Hannah Kaloi, and Katy Rader.
The exhibition game between ODU and CNU is just the beginning of an action-packed season. ODU will kick off their regular season at home against Lincoln (Pa.) on November 6, while CNU will start their campaign at Averett on November 8.
If you’re a basketball fan, don’t miss out on the opportunity to catch these talented teams in action. Grab your tickets now and support your favorite players. Let’s cheer on the Monarchs and the Captains as they bring their A-game to the court!